Thank you for coming to

Winterfest!

About

What is Ai-Kon?

Ai-Kon is a Japanese anime and pop culture convention held annually in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The convention is a three-day event held during the summer, which runs 24 hours though Friday morning all the way to Sunday afternoon!

Our current base of operation is the RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre, a long-time partner that not only allows for our continuous growth but is also easily accessible to our wonderful attendees in beautiful downtown Winnipeg.

Our Ai-Kon July event hosts many anime convention staples such as our impressive cosplay contest, fun anime screenings, competitive video game tournaments, interactive and informative fan-hosted panels, an exciting Maid Cafe, and a sprawling marketplace for vendors and artists alike to showcase and sell their wares. Aside from our focus on Japanese animation and pop culture, Ai-Kon has branched off to include other events and activities that have varying amounts of overlap with our attendees’ interests.

Thanks to the diverse range of anime fans, organizations, and clubs in the area, with each passing year we’ve been able to host panels and other events covering more ground from Japanese Tea Ceremony and Aikido demonstrations from the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre to panels discussing the finer points of kimono, Go and ball-jointed dolls. The continued support from these organizations and more has been appreciated by all as our programming expands to include an assorted entertainment, cultural presentations, and new pop culture aspects so that there is always something compelling for all our attendees.

Young or old, first time or seasoned con-goer, Ai-Kon has something to offer for everyone!

Who are we?

Behind Ai-Kon is a non-profit organization consisting of an independent board of volunteers who are dedicated to making the convention a memorable time for all who attend. It is organized by over 50 dedicated individuals and over 200 hundred volunteers in July

A long time ago (2001, in fact!) Ai-Kon first started as an open-house event organized and run by the University of Manitoba Anime Club. The upstart convention grew into a popular bi-annual event that brings together anime fans of all sorts from across Canada and even across-border!